ELKHART, Ind. --  The Elkhart County Health Department was notified of a confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. The confirmed equine case occurred in an unvaccinated horse in a neighboring county and is the first confirmed case in the state since 2020. 

ECHD is also aware of 26 human cases of West Nile Virus in the state of Indiana currently. Triple E and West Nile Virus are mosquito-borne illnesses. Most people infected with EEE or WNV will either exhibit no symptoms or experience only flu-like symptoms.  A small percentage of people can develop serious, sometimes fatal illnesses from these viruses. Anyone can be infected, but people aged 60 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illnesses. 

It is important for residents to be vigilant and take steps to reduce the risk and prevent infection. Common precautions include: 

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active, especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn, and early morning
• Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picardin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin
• Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors
• Eliminate sources of standing water
• Talk to veterinarians about vaccinations to protect horses from EEE and WNV

ECHD will continue to monitor for mosquito-borne diseases throughout Elkhart County. Moqutios typically remain active until the first frost of the season. It is important to continue to protect yourself, your family, and your animals from mosquitoes for the remainder of the season. 

Contact ECHD for more information or if you have any questions at 574-971-4600